David Brodati, DipWSET
|
Followers (4)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (611)
|
Reviews
Hedges Family Estate Red 2011, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley
Washington, Usa$40.00
This is a lovely red blend from the Pacific north west. Generous notes of red and dark fruit, herbs, menthol, new oak (vanilla, spices, chocolate). The palate offers good acidity and ripe tannins in a balanced frame to the fruit and integrated oak. Medium-full bodied. Excellent length. Really good value here. July, 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)
Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2012, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$35.20
The warm vintage brings the fruit profile more front and centre compared to the 2011. Yet there still is lovely minerality, some petrol and refreshing acidity. Well balanced, complex and long. Another excellent effort from CB using fruit sourced from Picone on the ridge. March 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2012, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.00
Light, almost translucent pretty cherry colour. A little funk to start followed by that now classic PEC minerality. Cran, cherry, red berry fruit with a hint of nutmeg. The 2012 keeps it's vibrancy with tart acidity and tension in the face of a very warm vintage. Excellent to outstanding length. Another fine effort from Norm. Jan. 2015.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$35.20
The 2013 Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard epitomizes Niagara Riesling. From the higher cooler Vinemount Ridge, it offers that nervy acidity that is lively and refreshing yet so nicely balances the RS to push perception toward the dry side of off-dry. Complex aromatics featuring citrus notes, apricot, peach, cream and white flower. The palate offers lemony acidity, minerality, a lithe body and very good to excellent length. 2013 has proved itself to be a benchmark vintage for whites in Ontario. Oct. 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2012, VQA Niagara Escarpment
Ontario, Canada$0.00
Vineland's Elevation is an excellent riesling to be sure, but when on sale, what a bargain. The nose offers apple and pear as the dominant fruits and a nice whiff of petrol/machine oil. The palate provides minerality and a lovely seam of acidity that ends in a citrusy finish. Smartly made, juicy, well balanced, and excellent length. April 2015.
4.0 Stars
Finca Constancia Altos De La Finca 2011, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla
Spain$21.95
This blend featuring Petit Verdot and Syrah, not surprisingly, shows dark fruit in the black cherry, cassis, black/blueberry realm with violet, black olive and meatiness to add complexity. 18 months of new oak is quite integrated and will coalesce further, revealing vanilla and a vague tarry molasses flavour. Structure is provided by juicy acidity, alcohol heat and still sticky granular tannin. Will yet improve with age as fruit concentration, tannin and oak continue to mind meld. Excellent length. 91-92 pts. June 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
El Maestro Sierra 12 Year Old Amontillado, Do Jerez Xérès Sherry (375ml)
Andalusia, Spain$20.75
This is a lovely Amontillado. Amber-tawny in the glass. Dry with much complexity exhibiting hazelnut, almond skin, toasty caramel, fig, marmalade/orange rind and a dusty character. Amontillado will show more body and be more oxidized than the lighter Fino and Manzanilla, due to the protective flor yeast dying off. The El Maestro Sierra clocks in at 17.5% ABV and some weight is felt on the palate. Well balanced, excellent length and warmth on the late palate. Try with seafood or sip on it's own. March 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$45.20
This County Pinot starts with a funky earthy nose then minerality, sour red fruit (cranberry, red current and pomegranate) and nutmeg. Light to medium bodied, the palate is tart, spicy with white pepper and more sour red fruit. High acidity and integrated tannin. Fresh, juicy and earthy, nicely balanced and quite complex. Excellent length. Another solid effort by Norm. Jan. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Verbena Brunello Di Montalcino 2009
Tuscany, Italy$39.95
Ah to catch a fine wine at the apex of its evolutionary curve is a special thing. Verbena's 2009 Brunello will no doubt go another seven to ten years before the fading accelerates to the "drink up" category, but I think it's peaking now. Still some primary and secondary aromas lurking with violet, baked cherry, jammy red berry, tomato leaf, nutmeg, cumin and oak vanillin. But savoury is the order of the day as tertiary leather and tobacco gain a stronghold, and a touch of complexing VA. Elegance, warmth (the 14.5 ABV doesn't burn), declining acidity, dusty tannin and excellent length. Oct. 2018
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Hinterland Les Etoiles 2012, Prince Edward County
Ontario, Canada$39.00
The 12 Les Etoiles is a traditional method sparkler from Hinterland's estate fruit. I love the freshness, vibrancy, poise and balance of this PEC sparkling wine. There's notes of apple, doughy bread and minerality. The bubbles are very fine and persistent. The structure is medium body with racy acidity. The length is excellent. Wonderful quaff to toast a celebtration, but equally nimble at the table. Jan. 2017.
4.0 Stars